RCI question...

[jpolak]

So if we wanted to transfer points to stay in Aruba, how does it work and how difficult is it to get what you want? TIA

 

[JimMIA]

There appear to be eight RCI resorts on Aruba accessible through DVC. You make all RCI exchanges through MS, and basically there are two approaches:

1. You call MS and check availability. If what you want is available, you deposit the points, pay the $95 exchange fee, and book the vacation.
2. If what you want is NOT available, you have the option of doing an "ongoing search." You deposit the points and pay the fee (irreversible transaction) and set up your criteria for an acceptable exchange. The search works like a waitlist: first-come, first-served, and if something matches your criteria the booking occurs automatically I believe.

 

[diding]

Hi, I was actually going to start looking into doing an RCI exchange. Do you know if you can borrow DVC points to do the exchange. If you go with option 2 of going into the wait list, what would happen if there is never a match?

 

[JimMIA]

Hi, I was actually going to start looking into doing an RCI exchange. Do you know if you can borrow DVC points to do the exchange.

I believe you can. Can't think of any reason why you wouldn't be able to.

If you go with option 2 of going into the wait list, what would happen if there is never a match?

Once you deposit points into RCI, they are gone forever whether you complete an exchange or not. I believe they are good in RCI for two years, after which they simply expire.

 

[goofystitchfan]

I believe that you can only waitlist if you do a week or longer stay.

 

[LawChic]

How do the DVC points translate to RCI? Is there a point conversion chart online?

 

[jpolak]

There appear to be eight RCI resorts on Aruba accessible through DVC. You make all RCI exchanges through MS, and basically there are two approaches:

1. You call MS and check availability. If what you want is available, you deposit the points, pay the $95 exchange fee, and book the vacation.
2. If what you want is NOT available, you have the option of doing an "ongoing search." You deposit the points and pay the fee (irreversible transaction) and set up your criteria for an acceptable exchange. The search works like a waitlist: first-come, first-served, and if something matches your criteria the booking occurs automatically I believe.

I don't know, seems a little to risky to me.

 

[jpolak]

How do the DVC points translate to RCI? Is there a point conversion chart online?

On the DVC member website their is a link that has the information.

 

[Dean]

How do the DVC points translate to RCI? Is there a point conversion chart online?

There are 3 seasons, Low, Medium and High. Basically assume that where you want to go is always HIGH season and you'll be pretty close. Plus the differences are not that large anyway. DVC would be a poor choice to exchange for low anyway and not great for most MID options. HIGH is 270 for a 2 BR and 160 for a 1 BR.

Always go on the wait list if you're sure you want a given option. You can borrow subject to the other rules just like you were booking a DVC room. For Aruba, there are 9 resorts. Of those, I'd only consider Casa Del Mar, Costa Linda, Playa Linda and ABC. Even then they are all below the level of DVC, about an 8 to 8.5 on a 10 pt scale. The Occidental Grand is a mandatory all inclusive resort which we avoid in places with good restaurant options. Aruba has great, albeit expensive, restaurant choices.

One needs to plan a good year out for most options. I think the ONLY thing one can wait list is exactly a full week. options for points reservations come online exactly 10 months out.

Exchanges are non refundable, once they find a match, they take your points so be sure. But they only take them IF they find something that's on your search list, if they have something close they may call you. If you match, accept an offered option or do deposit first, the points are gone. Otherwise if you don't match or cancel prior to a match, there is no commitment and even the $95 exchange fee is refundable.

 

[LawChic]

Thanks, guys!